Scalloped Potatoes Recipe with Cheese Powder: A Cheesy Delight

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe with Cheese Powder offers a deliciously creamy and cheesy twist on a classic comfort food. This simple yet indulgent dish features tender slices of potatoes baked in a rich, velvety sauce made with cheese powder, ensuring every bite is packed with savory flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday meal, family gathering, or weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. With its smooth texture and easy preparation, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the cheesy goodness of scalloped potatoes without the need for heavy, melted cheese. Get ready for a crowd-pleasing treat!

Why Use Cheese Powder in Your Scalloped Potatoes Recipe?

Cheese powder is a game-changer when it comes to enhancing the flavor of scalloped potatoes. It’s not only convenient but also allows you to add a concentrated cheese taste that traditional shredded cheese can sometimes lack in certain dishes. Cheese powder dissolves easily into the creamy sauce, infusing every bite of potato with a bold, cheesy flavor.

Using cheese powder in scalloped potatoes also helps to achieve a smoother, more uniform texture. Traditional cheese can sometimes clump or create an uneven distribution of cheese throughout the dish, whereas cheese powder integrates seamlessly into the sauce. This ensures that each bite is consistently cheesy and delicious, without any lumps or uneven pockets of melted cheese.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Scalloped Potatoes with Cheese Powder

To create the ultimate scalloped potatoes with cheese powder, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Potatoes: About 4-5 medium-sized potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best)
• Cheese Powder: ¼ cup (use your favorite brand for the most authentic flavor)
• Milk: 2 cups (whole milk is preferred for a creamy consistency)
• Butter: 2 tablespoons (for a rich flavor and creamy texture)
• Flour: 2 tablespoons (to thicken the sauce)
• Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Shredded Cheese (optional): 1 cup (for extra cheese, though the cheese powder is sufficient for flavor)
• Onion: ½ small onion, finely diced (optional, but adds a great savory depth)

These ingredients are easy to find, and you can adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences or the number of servings you need.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Simple Scalloped Potatoes with Cheese Powder

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s dive into the process of making scalloped potatoes with cheese powder.

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling and thinly slicing the potatoes. Use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices to ensure they cook evenly. The thinner the slices, the better the texture of your dish will be. Once sliced, set them aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Place the butter in a saucepan and warm it over medium heat until fully melted. After it melts, stir in the flour to form a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes until it’s lightly golden.

Gradually add the milk, whisking steadily to ensure a smooth mixture without lumps. Keep cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Once thickened, mix in the cheese powder, garlic powder (if desired), salt, and pepper. Let it cook for another minute to fully combine the flavors.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Coat a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to keep the food from sticking.

Begin layering the sliced potatoes in the dish. Start with a layer of potatoes, then pour a portion of the cheese sauce over the top. Repeat the process until all the potatoes and sauce are used up. If you’re adding onions or extra shredded cheese, sprinkle them between the layers.

Step 4: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for roughly 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Traditional Scalloped Potatoes Recipe vs. Modern Cheesy Variations

Here’s a table comparing the Traditional Scalloped Potatoes Recipe with Modern Cheesy Variations:

How to Add Onions for Extra Flavor: Recipe for Scalloped Potatoes with Cheese and Onions

Adding onions to your scalloped potatoes is a simple way to introduce an extra layer of savory, slightly sweet flavor that complements the richness of the cheese and cream. The onions enhance the overall taste of the dish and create a more complex and delicious flavor profile. Here’s how to make Scalloped Potatoes with Cheese and Onions.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 medium-sized potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole milk is preferred for a creamy texture)
• 1/4 cup cheese powder (or 1 cup shredded cheese of your choice)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for added flavor)
• Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and added freshness.

Prepare the Potatoes:

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. You can use a mandoline slicer for even slices. Set the sliced potatoes aside in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.

Cook the Onions:

In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are soft and slightly caramelized. This step enhances the flavor and sweetness of the onions. Once cooked, set them aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux (a thickening base for the sauce).

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Let the sauce cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens.

Stir in the cheese powder (or shredded cheese) until fully melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat.

Assemble the Scalloped Potatoes:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish (9×9-inch or similar) with butter or cooking spray.

Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Spread half of the sautéed onions over the potatoes. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the top.

Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese sauce.

Bake:

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Garnish and Serve:

Once done, remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes: A Twist on the Classic Dish

Garlic adds a bold flavor to any dish, and when paired with cheese powder in scalloped potatoes, it creates a savory twist on the classic recipe. Garlic-infused scalloped potatoes are a delicious option for those who want to enhance their meal with extra depth of flavor.

To make cheesy garlic scalloped potatoes, simply add 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder (or minced fresh garlic for a stronger flavor) to the cheese sauce before pouring it over the potatoes. The garlic will infuse the sauce, giving the dish an aromatic and savory touch.

Quick and Easy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe Without Cheese

Ingredients:

• 4-5 medium-sized potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole milk for a richer taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional for flavor)
• Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for added color and flavor.

Prepare the Potatoes:

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, about 1/8 inch thick. If you have a mandoline slicer, it will ensure uniform thickness. Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.

Gradually add the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, about 4-5 minutes.

Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste. Stir to combine, then remove from heat.

Assemble the Scalloped Potatoes:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish (9×9-inch or similar) with butter or cooking spray.

Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly.

Pour half of the creamy sauce over the potatoes. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes and sauce.

Bake:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden.

Garnish and Serve:

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips to Perfect the Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe with Cheese Powder

Achieving the perfect scalloped potatoes comes down to a few key tips:

• Thin, Even Slices: Make sure the potato slices are as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking.
• Layer Well: Don’t skimp on the sauce—each layer should be generously covered for the best flavor and texture.
• Let It Rest: After baking, let the dish rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and makes serving easier.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes with cheese powder are a versatile side dish that pairs well with almost any main course. Try serving them alongside roasted meats, such as roast chicken, beef, or pork. They also complement fish dishes or grilled vegetables perfectly. For a complete meal, consider pairing them with a fresh salad or steamed greens.

Conclusion

Scalloped potatoes with cheese powder are an easy yet indulgent dish that can be enjoyed by anyone who loves creamy, cheesy comfort food. By following the simple steps in this article, you can create the perfect cheesy scalloped potatoes every time. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or add your own twists like garlic or onions, these scalloped potatoes will surely become a favorite at your dinner table.

FAQs for Scalloped Potatoes Recipes

1. Can I make scalloped potatoes without cheese?
Yes, you can. Use a creamy sauce made with butter, flour, and milk instead.

2. Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes, Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes work well for scalloped potatoes.

3. Can I prepare scalloped potatoes in advance?
Yes, assemble them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add extra baking time if needed.

4. How do I store leftover scalloped potatoes?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven.

5. Can I freeze scalloped potatoes?
Yes, freeze after baking and cooling. Reheat at 350°F for 30-40 minutes.

6. What’s the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin?
Au gratin potatoes have cheese and breadcrumbs, while scalloped potatoes have a creamy sauce without cheese.

7. Can I add other ingredients?
Yes, add onions, garlic, bacon, or herbs for extra flavor.

8. How do I make scalloped potatoes creamy without cheese?
Use a rich cream sauce made from butter, flour, and milk.

9. What’s the best way to cut potatoes?
Slice potatoes evenly to about 1/8-inch thick for uniform cooking.

10. Can I make scalloped potatoes ahead for a holiday meal?
Yes, assemble them a day ahead and bake on the day of your event.